Device and method for amplifying suction noise

ABSTRACT

A device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises an intake duct, a connecting pipe and a composite membrane. The intake duct is for feeding air to an engine intake port. A connecting pipe is connected to an interior of the intake duct. The composite membrane is positioned within the connecting pipe. The composite member blocks an interior passage formed in the connecting pipe. The composite member further includes at least two elastic membranes with one of masses and rigidities that different from each other. A method is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application SerialNo. 2006-155944 2006-155945 filed Jun. 5, 2006, the disclosure of which,including its specification, drawings and claims, are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to a type of device for improving thesound quality of a suction noise generated by an intake system of anautomobile or the like.

BACKGROUND

Japanese Patent No. 3613665 describes a known device that boosts suctionnoise. The device described therein is for amplifying suction noise andhas plural intake ducts having resonance frequencies that are differentfrom each other, so that it is possible to boost the suction noise atdifferent frequencies, and permits introduction of suction noise intothe vehicle passenger compartment.

However, the device for amplifying suction noise described in JapanesePatent No. 3613665 has some disadvantages. First, because the device isconstituted with plural intake ducts, there is no leeway in the spacerequired inside the engine compartment. Thus, there are restrictions onthe layout, and the device is difficult to install in the enginecompartment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a device to boost the suction noise of avehicle characterized by the fact that resonance of an elastic membrane,due to variation in pressure of air transmitted into an engine intakeport, is allowed to occur at least two different frequencies.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to boost suctionnoise at plural frequencies without the need of plural intake ducts, sothat it is possible to generate impressive suction noise, and at thesame time to improve the freedom of design layout.

One embodiment of the disclosure includes a device for amplifying thesuction noise of a vehicle. The embodiment of the device comprises anintake duct, a connecting pipe and a composite membrane. The intake ductis for feeding air to an engine intake port. A connecting pipe isconnected to an interior of the intake duct. The composite membrane ispositioned within the connecting pipe. The composite member blocks aninterior passage formed in the connecting pipe. The composite memberfurther includes at least two elastic membranes with one of masses andrigidities that different from each other. A method is also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparentfrom the ensuing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a vehicle equipped with a devicefor amplifying a suction noise of a vehicle.

FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the device foramplifying suction noise according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating in detail the structure of a compositemembrane.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a vibration state of each elasticmembrane in an out-of-plane direction of the composite membrane during afirst acceleration mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a vibration state of each elasticmembrane in the out-of-plane direction of the composite membrane duringa second acceleration mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the vibration state of each elasticmembrane in an out-of-plane direction of the composite membrane during athird acceleration mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a composite membraneof the device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in a secondembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure a composite membrane ofthe device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in a thirdembodiment

FIG. 9 is a cross section of the composite membrane taken across X-Y inFIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating modified examples of thecomposite membrane of the device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle in the third embodiment.

FIG. 11A-11D are diagrams illustrating modified examples of thecomposite membrane of the device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the compositemembrane of the device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle ina forth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross section of the composite membrane taken across Y-Y inFIG. 12.

FIGS. 14A-14C are diagrams illustrating modified examples of thecomposite membrane of the device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 15A-15D are diagrams illustrating modified examples of thecomposite membrane of the device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a composite membranefor the device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in a fifthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, anappreciation of various aspects of the apparatus is best gained througha discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings,illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawingsrepresent the embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale andcertain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain aninnovative aspect of an embodiment. Further, the embodiments describedherein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting orrestricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawingsand disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are described in detail byreferring to the drawings as follows.

Embodiment 1

FIGS. 1A-1C includes diagrams illustrating a vehicle C carrying a device1 for amplifying suction noise according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1Ais a side view of a vehicle C. FIG. 1B is a top view of vehicle C. AndFIG. 1C is a front view of vehicle C.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, device 1 that boosts suction noise in thefirst embodiment is arranged in front of a vehicle passenger compartment2. Indeed, device 1 is arranged in an engine compartment 6 that isseparated from vehicle passenger compartment 2 by a dash panel 4.Further, device 1 is arranged on an intake duct 10 that is connected toan engine 8.

The resonant vibration of air in intake duct 10 takes place in airintake duct 10. When resonance occurs, pressure variations develop inair in intake duct 10, and these pressure variations in the air areperceived by humans as noise. The noise accompanying intake is calledsuction noise. The frequency of the suction noise depends on thefrequency of the pressure variations generated due to the resonancephenomenon. The frequency of the pressure variation that takes place dueto the resonance phenomenon is determined by the resonance frequency,which depends on the length of the intake duct, etc.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of device 1 thatamplifies the suction noise in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2,device 1 that amplifies the suction noise in the first embodimentcomprises a connecting pipe 12, an additional pipe 14, and a compositemembrane 16 (represented by dashed lines in FIG. 2).

In the embodiment shown, connecting pipe 12 is generally cylindrical,and is attached to an outer peripheral surface of intake duct 10, whichmay be formed of a draft tube with air inside it. Connecting pipe 12communicates with intake duct 10.

Similar to connecting pipe 12, additional pipe 14 may also be generallycylindrical. A first opening at one end of additional pipe 14 isconnected to connecting pipe 12, and a second opening at the other endof additional pipe 14 opens to external air.

Composite membrane 16 is generally disk-shaped and may be made of, forexample, rubber or another elastic material. Composite member 16 isattached on an inner peripheral surface of connecting pipe 12 andextends across an interior of connecting pipe 12 so as to closeconnecting pipe 12. Composite membrane 16 undergoes elastic deformationduring intake by engine 8, corresponding to variation in an intakevacuum generated in air inside intake duct 10, so that vibration ofcomposite membrane 16 occurs in an out-of-plane direction. The detailedstructure of composite membrane 16 will be explained later.

The structure of intake duct 10 and the parts related to thereto willnow be explained.

Intake duct 10 forms an intake path from the external air to engine 8,and is comprised of a dust side intake duct 20 and a clean side intakeduct 18.

A first opening at one end of dust side intake duct 20 is connected toan air cleaner 22, and a second opening at the other end of dust sideintake duct 20 opens to the external air.

Clean side intake duct 18 includes a throttle chamber 24. A firstopening at one end of clean side intake duct 18 is connected to aircleaner 22, and a second opening at the other end of clean side intakeduct 18 is connected via a surge tank 26 to various portions of anintake manifold 28 to the various cylinders (not shown in the figure) ofengine 8.

For example, air cleaner 22 includes an oiled filter or other filterpart for cleaning air flowing from the second opening at one end of dustside intake duct 10 as it passes through the filter portion.

Throttle chamber 24 is installed between air cleaner 22 and surge tank26, and is connected to an accelerator pedal (not shown in the figure).Throttle chamber 24 adjusts the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 tosurge tank 26 corresponding to the amount of accelerator pedaldepression. When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is reduced,the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 is decreased, sothat the rotational velocity of engine 8 falls, and at the same time theintake vacuum generated in the air inside intake duct 10 is reduced. Onthe other hand, when the amount of accelerator pedal depression isincreased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased, so that the rotational velocity of engine 8 rises, and at thesame time, the intake vacuum generated in the air in intake duct 10 isincreased.

During intake, engine 8 draws air that has flowed from the opening atthe second end of dust side intake duct 20 and is present inside cleanside intake duct 18 into the various cylinders via surge tank 26 andintake manifold 28.

Also, in conjunction with the intake operation, engine 8 becomes apressure source that generates intake pulsation in the air inside intakeduct 10, and this intake pulsation results in suction noise.

Here, the intake pulsation that occurs in conjunction with the intakeoperation of engine 8 is a pressure variation generated in the airinside intake duct 10. This pressure variation is composed of pluralpressure variations at different frequencies. That is, the intakepulsation that occurs in conjunction with the intake operation of engine8 is composed of plural intake pulsations at different frequencies. Inthe first embodiment, engine 8 is assumed to be a 6-cylinder in-lineengine. However, engine 8 is not limited to this construction.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of compositemembrane 16.

Viewed in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16, as may beseen, composite membrane 16 includes three elastic membranes 30a-30c.Elastic membranes 30a-30c are separated from each other by slots 32formed in the surface on an intake duct side of composite membrane 16.In the embodiment shown, and slots 32 are formed in shapes havingdifferent areas. More specifically, area Sa of elastic membrane 30a islarger than area Sb of elastic membrane 30b, and area Sb of said elasticmembrane 30b is larger than area Sc of elastic membrane 30c. That is,elastic membranes 30a-30c are formed to satisfy the relationshipSa>Sb>Sc.

Here, because elastic membranes 30a-30c have different areas from eachother, their resonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-planedirection of composite membrane 16 are different from each other.

The resonance frequency is that for vibration at a prescribed frequencydetected when an object is allowed to vibration freely. Any object has anatural resonance frequency. Usually, an object has plural resonancefrequencies. The resonance frequency depends on the rigidity and mass ofthe object. More specifically, the higher the rigidity, the higher theresonance frequency, while the larger the mass, the lower the resonancefrequency. Here, rigidity refers to the proportionality coefficientbetween a bending or twisting force applied to the structural body andthe deflection of the structural body as a whole.

Consequently, because elastic membranes 30a-30c have different areas,they differ from each other in rigidity and mass. As a result, they havedifferent resonance frequencies.

Compared with elastic membrane 30c with a smaller area, elastic membrane30a with a larger area has a lower resonance frequency for vibration inthe out-of-plane direction. Consequently, for said elastic membranes30a-30c, assuming the resonance frequency of elastic membrane 30a to befirst resonance frequency f1, the resonance frequency of elasticmembrane 30b to be second resonance frequency f2, and the resonancefrequency of elastic membrane 30c to be third resonance frequency f3,the following conditional relationship among them applies: f1<f2<f3.

Also, elastic membranes 30a-30c are appropriately formed such that theirresonance frequencies correspond to intake pulsation at a firstfrequency, intake pulsation at a second frequency and intake pulsationat a third frequency selected from among the intake pulsations at pluralfrequencies that form the intake pulsation generated in conjunction withthe intake operation of engine 8. More specifically, first resonancefrequency f1 of elastic membrane 30a matches the first intake pulsationfrequency, second resonance frequency f2 of elastic membrane 30b matchesthe second intake pulsation frequency, and third resonance frequency f3of elastic membrane 30c matches the third intake pulsation frequency.

Here, the first frequency is lower than the second frequency and thesecond frequency is lower than the third frequency. That is, the firstfrequency, second frequency and third frequency satisfy the followingrelationship: first frequency<second frequency<third frequency.

The first frequency is the frequency of the intake pulsation generatedwhen the engine rotates at a prescribed rotational velocity R1, thesecond frequency is the frequency of the intake pulsation generated at aprescribed rotational velocity R2, and the third frequency is thefrequency of the intake pulsation generated at a prescribed rotationalvelocity R3.

Here, R1 is a rotational velocity lower than R2 and R2 is a rotationalvelocity lower than R3. That is, rotational velocities R1, R2, R3satisfy the following relationship: R1<R2<R3.

In addition, each of slots 32 is formed between two adjacent elasticmembranes, and they form rigidity changing portions having differentrigidities from those of elastic membranes 30a-30c.

The operation of the first embodiment of device 1 that amplifies thesuction noise will now be explained.

When engine 8 is started, the intake pulsation generated in conjunctionwith the intake operation of engine 8 is propagated via intake manifold28 and surge tank 26 into the air inside intake duct 10 (see FIG. 2).

While engine 8 is running, as the amount of accelerator pedal depressionis increased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased (hereinafter to be referred to as acceleration mode). As aresult, while the rotational velocity of engine 8 is increased, theintake vacuum generated for the air in intake duct 10 rises (see FIG.2).

In the following, the operation of elastic membranes 30a-30c in theacceleration mode will be explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 4-6.

FIGS. 4-6 are diagrams illustrating the vibration of elastic membranes30a-30c in the out-of-plane direction of the composite membrane 16during the acceleration mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the statewhen the rotational velocity of the engine is R1; FIG. 5 is a diagramillustrating the state when the rotational velocity of the engine is R2;and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the state when the rotationalvelocity of the engine is R3.

When the rotational velocity of the engine is R1, among the pluralintake pulsations at different frequencies that form the intakepulsation generated in conjunction with the intake operation of theengine, an intake pulsation at the first frequency is propagated viaconnecting pipe 12 to composite membrane 16.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, because in this case the frequency of theintake pulsation at the first frequency matches first resonancefrequency f1 of elastic membrane 30a, only elastic membrane 30a amongthe elastic membranes 30a-30c vibrates in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16. When elastic membrane 30a vibrates in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16, it causes pressurevariations in the air in additional pipe 14 on the side of compositemembrane 16 that is open to the external air. There, air pressurevariations become noise that is emitted to an external air side, and thesuction noise is thereby amplified.

When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is further increased,that is, when the rotational velocity of the engine is at R2, among theplural intake pulsations at different frequencies that form the intakepulsation in conjunction with the intake operation of the engine, theintake pulsation at the second frequency is propagated via connectingpipe 12 to composite membrane 16.

As shown in FIG. 5, because in this case the frequency of the intakepulsation at the second frequency matches second resonance frequency f2of elastic membrane 30b, only elastic membrane 30b among elasticmembranes 30a-30c vibrates in the out-of-plane direction of compositemembrane 16. When elastic membrane 30b vibrates in the out-of-planedirection of composite membrane 16, it causes pressure variations in theair between composite membrane 16 and the second opening of additionalpipe 14, and said air pressure variations become noise that is emittedto the external air side, and the suction noise is thereby amplified.

When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is further increased,that is, when the rotational velocity of the engine is at R3, among theplural intake pulsations at different frequencies that form the intakepulsation in conjunction with the intake operation of the engine, theintake pulsation at the third frequency is propagated via connectingpipe 12 to composite membrane 16.

As shown in FIG. 6, because in this case the frequency of the intakepulsation at the third frequency matches third resonance frequency f3 ofelastic membrane 30c, only elastic membrane 30c among elastic membranes30a-30c vibrates in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16.When elastic membrane 30c vibrates in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16, it causes pressure variations in the air inadditional pipe 14 on the side of composite membrane 16 that is open tothe external air, and air pressure variations become noise that isemitted to the external air side, and therefore the suction noise isamplified.

Consequently, in the acceleration mode, elastic membranes 30a-30c withdifferent resonance frequencies vibrate in the out-of-plane direction ofthe composite membrane according to variation in the rotational velocityof the engine. As a result, the suction noise at the first frequency,the suction noise at the second frequency and the suction noise at thethird frequency are amplified, and the amplified suction noise isemitted to the external air side from the second opening at theadditional pipe 14 (see FIG. 2).

When the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air sidefrom the second opening of additional pipe 14, the emitted suction noiseis propagated via the air into vehicle passenger compartment 2 such thatan impressive suction noise is transmitted into vehicle passengercompartment 2 (see FIG. 1).

Variations of Embodiment 1

For device 1 that amplifies the suction noise in the first embodiment,three elastic membranes 30a-30c are formed to have different resonancefrequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction of compositemembrane 16. However, it is understood that the present embodiment isnot limited to this scheme. Indeed, a scheme may also be adopted inwhich among three elastic membranes 30a-30c, at least two elasticmembranes have resonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-planedirection of the composite membrane that are different from each other.

Also, for device 1 that amplifies the suction noise in the firstembodiment, three elastic membranes 30a-30c are formed to have differentresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 by virtue of having different areas. The presentembodiment is not limited to this scheme, however. That is, a scheme mayalso be adopted in which three elastic membranes 30a-30c are formed withthe same area, and at the same time, they are formed different from eachother with respect to rigidity and/or mass, so that the resonancefrequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction of the compositemembrane are different from each other. Here, to form an elasticmembrane 30 having increased rigidity and/or mass, a core member may bearranged inside it, or a processed mass body for forming ribs on elasticmembrane 30 may be attached, or the thickness of elastic membrane 30 maybe increased. As a result, although elastic membrane 30 has the samearea as the other elastic membranes, elastic membrane 30 neverthelesshas higher rigidity and/or larger mass than the others. In this case, byselecting the rigidity and/or mass of each elastic membrane 30a, 30b,30c to meet the required resonance frequency conditions for vibration inthe out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16, it is possible toset each elastic membrane 30a, 30b, 30c at a desired resonancefrequency.

In the first embodiment, device 1 that amplifies the suction noise has acomposite membrane 16 composed of three elastic membranes 30a-30c. Thepresent embodiment is not limited to this scheme, however. A scheme canalso be adopted in which composite membrane 16 is composed of twoelastic membranes 30 or more than three elastic membranes 30.

Also, in the structure for device 1 that amplifies the suction noise ofthe present embodiment, device 1 that amplifies the suction noise is setin engine compartment 6 in front of vehicle passenger compartment 2.However, other locations for device 1 that amplifies the suction noiseare contemplated. That is, for example, when vehicle C has an enginecompartment 6 arranged behind vehicle passenger compartment 2, thelocation for device 1 that amplifies the suction noise can be in enginecompartment 6 located behind vehicle passenger compartment 2. Also, forexample, when vehicle C has an engine compartment 6 beneath vehiclepassenger compartment 2, the location for device 1 that amplifies thesuction noise can be within engine compartment 6 set beneath vehiclepassenger compartment 2. In any case, the location of device 1 thatamplifies the suction noise can be adjusted appropriately according tothe configuration of vehicle C, that is, the position of enginecompartment 6.

Viewing the device 1 for amplifying suction noise of the firstembodiment in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16, thecomposite membrane 16 is composed of three elastic membranes 30a, 30b,30c. Elastic membranes 30a, 30b, 30c have resonance frequencies forvibrations in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16 thatdiffer from each other.

As a result, in the acceleration mode, the various elastic membranes30a, 30b, 30c vibrate in the out-of-plane direction of compositemembrane 16 corresponding to variation in the rotational velocity of theengine.

Consequently, the intake pulsation at the first frequency, and thesuction noises at the second frequency and third frequency are amplifiedcorresponding to variation in the rotational velocity of the engine, andthe amplified suction noise is emitted from the second opening ofadditional pipe 14 on the external air side. The emitted suction noiseis propagated via the air into the vehicle passenger compartment, sothat an impressive suction noise is transmitted into vehicle passengercompartment 2.

As a result, it is possible to generate the suction noise at pluralfrequencies by via composite membrane 16, and it is possible to generatean impressive suction noise without a requirement of plural intakeducts. Because there is no need for plural intake ducts in thisembodiment, freedom of layout is improved, allowing device 1 to beadopted on a variety of vehicles with different constructions, such asvehicles having different body sizes.

Also, viewing the device for amplifying suction noise of the presentembodiment in the thickness direction, composite membrane 16 iscomprised of three elastic membranes, and these elastic membranes areformed with different areas, so that they have different vibrationfrequencies in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16.

Consequently, by selecting the areas of the respective elastic membranescorresponding to resonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-planedirection of composite membrane 16, it is possible to set the resonancefrequencies of the elastic membranes at the respective desired resonancefrequencies.

As a result, it is possible to set the resonance frequencies forvibration in the out-of-plane direction of the various elastic membranescomprising composite membrane 16 at the plural desired frequencies, andit is possible to expand the frequency band range where amplifying thesuction noise can be realized. As a result, it is possible to improvethe sound quality of the suction noise directed into the vehiclepassenger compartment.

Second Embodiment

Turning to FIG. 7, a second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 7 is adiagram illustrating the structure of composite membrane 16 for device 1for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the structure of device 1 for amplifying thesuction noise of a vehicle C in the second embodiment is the same asthat of the first embodiment, except for the structure of compositemembrane 16. That is, composite membrane 16 in the second embodiment isdivided by rigidity changing portions 34 formed between every pair ofadjacent elastic membranes and having rigidities different from those ofsaid elastic membranes 30a-30d. Viewed in the thickness direction,composite membrane 16 has four elastic membranes 30a-30d.

Rigidity changing portions 34 include an annular rigidity changingportion 36 and radial rigidity changing portions 38a-38c.

Annular rigidity changing portion 36 is formed as a slot arranged in thesurface of composite membrane 16 on an intake duct side of compositemembrane 16. Annular rigidity changing portion 36 is shaped to surrounda portion of composite membrane 16 that includes the center of compositemembrane 16, and it has an overall circular or elliptical shape. In thesecond embodiment, the center portion surrounded with annular rigiditychanging portion 36 is referred to as elastic membrane 30d in thefollowing description.

Similar to annular rigidity changing portion 36, radial rigiditychanging portions 38a-38c are formed as slots in the surface ofcomposite membrane 16 on the intake duct side of composite member 16,and annular rigidity changing portions 38a-38d extend from annularrigidity changing portion 36 towards an outer periphery of compositemembrane 16, so that they divide the portions other than that surroundedby annular rigidity changing portion 36 into plural portions. Withregard to radial rigidity changing portions 38a-38c in the secondembodiment, an example is explained in which three radial rigiditychanging portions 38a-38c are formed extending from annular rigiditychanging portion 36 towards the outer periphery of composite membrane16. Also, in explanation of the second embodiment, the three elasticmembranes 30 divided by said three radial rigidity changing portions38a-38c are described as elastic membranes 30a-30c, respectively.

Elastic membranes 30a-30d are formed into shapes with different areas bymeans of rigidity changing portions 34. More specifically, area Sa ofelastic membrane 30a is larger than area Sb of elastic membrane 30b;area Sb of elastic membrane 30b is larger than area Sc of elasticmembrane 30c; and area Sc of elastic membrane 30c is larger than area Sdof elastic membrane 30d. That is, elastic membranes 30a-30d are formedto satisfy the following relationship: Sa>Sb>Sc>Sd.

Also, because elastic membranes 30a-30d have different areas, theirresonance frequencies in the out-of-plane direction of compositemembrane 16 are different from each other. More specifically, assumingthe resonance frequency of elastic membrane 30a to be first resonancefrequency f1, the resonance frequency of elastic membrane 30b to besecond resonance frequency f2, the resonance frequency of elasticmembrane 30c to be third resonance frequency f3, and the resonancefrequency of elastic membrane 30d to be fourth resonance frequency f4,the following relationship is established: f1<f2<f3<f4.

Also, elastic membranes 30a-30d are appropriately shaped such that theirresonance frequencies match those of the intake pulsations at the firstfrequency, the second frequency, the third frequency and the fourthfrequency, selected from among the intake pulsations at pluralfrequencies that form the intake pulsation generated in conjunction withthe intake operation of engine 8. More specifically, first resonancefrequency f1 of elastic membrane 30a matches the frequency of the intakepulsation at the first frequency, second resonance frequency f2 ofelastic membrane 30b matches the frequency of the intake pulsation atthe second frequency, third resonance frequency f3 of elastic membrane30c matches the frequency of the intake pulsation at the thirdfrequency, and fourth resonance frequency f4 of elastic membrane 30dmatches the frequency of the intake pulsation at the fourth frequency.

Here, the first frequency is lower than the second frequency, the secondfrequency is lower than the third frequency, and the third frequency islower than the fourth frequency. That is, the first frequency, secondfrequency, third frequency and fourth frequency satisfy the followingrelationship: first frequency<second frequency<third frequency<fourthfrequency.

The first frequency is the frequency of the intake pulsation generatedwhen the engine rotates at a prescribed rotational velocity R1, thesecond frequency is the frequency of the intake pulsation generated at aprescribed rotational velocity R2, the third frequency is the frequencyof the intake pulsation generated at a prescribed rotational velocityR3, and the fourth frequency is the frequency of the intake pulsationgenerated at a prescribed rotational velocity R4.

Here, R1 is a rotational velocity lower than R2, R2 is a rotationalvelocity lower than R3, and R3 is a rotational velocity lower than R4.That is, rotational velocities R1, R2, R3, R4 satisfy the followingrelationship: R1<R2<R3<R4.

The remaining structure of composite member 16 and device 1 issubstantially the same as that of in the first embodiment.

The operation of device 1 that amplifies the suction noise according tothe second embodiment will now be described. In the followingdescription, because the structure of everything besides compositemembrane 16 is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, onlythe operation of different parts will be explained.

When engine 8 is started, the intake pulsation generated in conjunctionwith the intake operation of engine 8 is propagated via intake manifold28 and surge tank 26 into the air inside clean-side intake duct 18 (seeFIG. 2).

While engine 8 is running, as the amount of accelerator pedal depressionis increased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased (hereinafter to be referred to as the acceleration mode). As aresult, while the rotational velocity of engine 8 is increased, theintake vacuum generated in the air inside intake duct 10 rises (see FIG.2).

When the engine is accelerating and the rotational velocity is R1, theintake pulsation at the first frequency, among the plural intakepulsations at different frequencies that form the intake pulsationgenerated in conjunction with the intake operation of engine 8, ispropagated via connecting pipe 12 to the composite membrane 16.

Because the frequency of the intake pulsation at the first frequencymatches first resonance frequency f1 of elastic membrane 30a, onlyelastic membrane 30a among elastic membranes 30a-30d vibrates in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16. When elastic membrane30a vibrates in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16, itcauses pressure variations in the air in additional pipe 14 on the sideof composite membrane 16 that is open to the external air, and these airpressure variations become noise that is emitted to the external airside, such that the suction noise is amplified.

When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is further increased,that is, when the rotational velocity of the engine is at R2, from amongthe plural intake pulsations at different frequencies that form theintake pulsation in conjunction with the intake operation of engine 8,the intake pulsation at the second frequency is propagated viaconnecting pipe 12 to the composite membrane 16 (elastic membrane).

Because the frequency of the intake pulsation at the second frequencymatches second resonance frequency f2 of elastic membrane 30b onlyelastic membrane 30b among elastic membranes 30a-30d vibrates in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16. When elastic membrane30b vibrates in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16,pressure variations result in the air in the region between compositemembrane 16 and the end of additional pipe 14 that is open to theexternal air, and air pressure variations become noise that is emittedto the external air side, thereby amplifying the suction noise.

When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is further increased,that is, when the rotational velocity of the engine is at R3, among theplural intake pulsations at different frequencies that form the intakepulsation in conjunction with the intake operation of engine 8, theintake pulsation at the third frequency is propagated via connectingpipe 12 to composite membrane 16.

Because the frequency of the intake pulsation at the third frequencymatches third resonance frequency f3 of elastic membrane 30c, onlyelastic membrane 30c among elastic membranes 30a-30d vibrates in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16. When elastic membrane30c vibrates in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16,pressure variations result in the air in the region between compositemembrane 16 and the end of additional pipe 14 that is open to theexternal air, and said air pressure variations become noise that isemitted to the external air side, such that suction noise is amplified.

When the amount of accelerator pedal depression is further increased,that is, when the rotational velocity of the engine is at R4, among theplural intake pulsations at different frequencies that form the intakepulsation in conjunction with the intake operation of engine 8, theintake pulsation at the fourth frequency is propagated via connectingpipe 12 to composite membrane 16 (elastic membrane member).

Because the frequency of the intake pulsation at the fourth frequencymatches fourth resonance frequency f4 of elastic membrane 30d, onlyelastic membrane 30d among elastic membranes 30a-30d vibrates in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16 (elastic membranemember). When elastic membrane 30d vibrates in the out-of-planedirection of composite membrane 16, pressure variations result in theair in the region between composite membrane 16 and the end ofadditional pipe 14 that is open to the external air, and the airpressure variations become noise that is emitted to the external airside, thereby amplifying the suction noise.

Consequently, in the acceleration mode, elastic membranes 30a-30d withdifferent resonance frequencies vibrate in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 corresponding to the variation in rotationalvelocity of engine 8. As a result, the suction noise at the firstfrequency, the suction noise at the second frequency, the suction noiseat the third frequency and the suction noise at the fourth frequency areamplified, and the amplified suction noise is emitted to the externalair side from the opening at the second end of additional pipe 14 (seeFIG. 2).

When the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air sidefrom the second opening of additional pipe 14, the emitted suction noiseis propagated via the air into vehicle passenger compartment 2, so thatan impressive suction noise is transmitted into vehicle passengercompartment 2 (see FIG. 1).

Variations of the Second Embodiments

Viewing device 1 that amplifies the suction noise in the secondembodiment, in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16, it maybe seen that composite membrane 16 is composed of four elastic membranes30a-30d. However, the second embodiment is not limited to this scheme.That is, viewing in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16,composite membrane 16 may be composed of five or more elastic membranes.In this case, composite membrane 16 may work with frequencies over awider range than composite membrane 16 with just four elastic membranes30a-30d as viewed in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16.

Viewing the device 1 for amplifying suction noise in the secondembodiment in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16,composite membrane 16 is comprised of four elastic membranes 30a-30d.Elastic membranes 30a-30d are formed with different areas, and theirresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 are different from each other.

As a result, by selecting the different areas of elastic membranes30a-30d according to resonance frequencies of vibration in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16, it is possible to setthe respective resonance frequencies of elastic membranes 30a-30d at thedesired resonance frequencies.

Consequently, compared with the device for amplifying the suction noiseof a vehicle in the first embodiment, that is, the device for amplifyingthe suction noise of a vehicle having three elastic membranes as viewedin the thickness direction, it is possible to further expand thefrequency range where the suction noise can be amplified, and it ispossible to improve the sound quality of the suction noise transmittedinto vehicle passenger compartment 2.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment will be explained. FIGS.8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the structure of device 1 thatamplifies suction noise in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagramillustrating the structure of composite membrane 16, and FIG. 9 is across section taken across X-Y in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the structure of device 1 that amplifiessuction noise in the third embodiment is substantially the same as thatof the first embodiment except for the structure of composite membrane16. That is, the rigidity changing portion for composite membrane 16 inthe third embodiment, is formed of convex portions 40 formed on thesurface of composite membrane 16 on the intake duct side.

Viewed in the radial direction of composite membrane 16, convex portions40 are each generally V-shaped and project toward the intake duct sidewhen composite member 16 is installed in connecting pipe 12. Thethickness of composite membrane 16 where convex portions 40 are formedis substantially equal to the thickness of the remaining portions. Thatis, composite membrane 16 is formed with a generally uniform thicknessthroughout. Composite membrane 16 with convex portions 40 formedthereon, may be formed by integral molding using dies.

The remainder of the structure of device 1 is generally the same as thatof the first embodiment.

In the following, the operation of device 1 that amplifies the suctionnoise in the third embodiment will now be explained. Because thestructure of everything besides composite membrane 16 is substantiallythe same as in the first embodiment, only the operation of the differentportions will be explained in detail.

When engine 8 is started, the intake pulsation generated in conjunctionwith the intake operation of engine 8 is propagated via intake manifold28 and surge tank 26 into the air inside clean-side intake duct 18 (seeFIG. 2).

While engine 8 is running, as the amount of accelerator pedal depressionis increased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased (hereinafter to be referred to as acceleration mode). As aresult, while the rotational velocity of engine 8 is increased, theintake vacuum generated for the air in intake duct 10 rises (see FIG.2).

In the acceleration mode, when the amount of accelerator pedaldepression is changed, the rotational velocity of the engine is changed.As a result, elastic membranes 30a-30c with different resonancefrequencies vibrate in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane16 corresponding to the change in rotational velocity of engine 8. As aresult, pressure variations occur in the air in the region betweencomposite membrane 16 and the end of additional pipe 14 that is open tothe external air. The air pressure variations are emitted as noise tothe external air side, so that the suction noise corresponding to thefirst frequency, the suction noise corresponding to the secondfrequency, and the suction noise corresponding to the third frequencyare amplified (see FIG. 2).

When the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air sidefrom the opening at the second end of additional pipe 14, the emittedsuction noise is propagated via the air into vehicle passengercompartment 2, so that an impressive suction noise is transmitted intovehicle passenger compartment 2 (see FIG. 1).

Variations of the Third Embodiment

As viewed in the radial direction of composite membrane 16, device 1that amplifies the suction noise in the third embodiment has convexportions 40 formed on composite membrane 16, each being V-shaped andprojecting to the intake duct side, and the thickness of compositemembrane 16 is substantially uniform throughout when the shape isformed. However, the third embodiment is not limited to this scheme.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a scheme may also be adopted in whichthe thickness of the portions of composite membrane 16 where convexportions 40 are positioned is thicker than the remaining portions. Also,as shown in FIG. 10B, a scheme may also be adopted in which convexportions 40 are each generally U-shaped as viewed in the radialdirection of composite membrane 16, and the thickness of compositemembrane 16 is substantially uniform throughout. In addition, forexample, as shown in FIG. 10C, a scheme may be adopted in which convexportions 40 are each U-shaped projecting toward the intake duct side asviewed in the radial direction of composite membrane 16, and thethickness of composite membrane 16 where convex portions 40 are formedis thicker than the remaining portions.

The rigidity changing portions in device 1 that amplifies suction noisein the present embodiment consist of convex portions 40 formed on thesurface of composite membrane 16 on the intake duct side. The thirdembodiment is not limited to this scheme, however. For example, as shownin FIGS. 11A and 11C, the rigidity changing portions may also comprisegenerally concave portions 42 formed in the surface of compositemembrane (elastic membrane member) 16 on the intake duct side. And, asshown in FIGS. 11B and 11D, a scheme may also be adopted in which therigidity changing portions comprise generally convex portions 40 formedon the surface of composite membrane 16 on the external air side.

The device 1 for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in the thirdembodiment has rigidity changing portions that divide composite membrane16 into plural elastic membranes by convex or concave portions 40, 42formed on the surface of composite membrane 16 on the intake duct side.As a result, composite membrane 16 may be formed with plural elasticmembranes by means of a simple structure.

As a result, it is possible to prevent increased manufacturing costs forcomposite membrane 16, to prevent increased manufacturing costs for thedevice 1 for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle, and to improvethe producibility of the device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a fourth embodiment will be explained.FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the structure of compositemembrane 16 for device 1 that amplifies suction noise in the fourthembodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross section of composite member 16 takenacross Y-Y in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the structure of device 1 that amplifiessuction noise in the fourth embodiment is generally the same as that ofthe first embodiment except for the structure of composite membrane 16.That is, the rigidity changing portion of composite membrane 16 in thefourth embodiment is formed of convex portions 40 formed on the surfaceof composite membrane 16 on the intake duct side, and each convexportion 40 has a core member 44.

Viewed in the radial direction of composite membrane 16, each convexportion 40 is generally nV-shaped and projects toward the intake ductside. The thickness of the portions of composite membrane 16 whereconvex portions 40 are formed is substantially equal to the thickness ofthe remaining portions. That is, thickness of composite membrane 16 issubstantially uniform throughout.

Core member 44 is made of a wire material more rigid than compositemembrane 16, and it is arranged on the surface of composite membrane 16on the external air side.

The remainder of the structure of device 1 is generally the same as thatof the first embodiment 1.

In the following description, the operation of device 1 that amplifiessuction noise in the fourth embodiment will be explained. Because thestructure of everything besides composite membrane 16 is generally thesame as in the first embodiment, only the operation of the differentportions will be explained in detail.

When engine 8 is started, the intake pulsation generated in conjunctionwith the intake operation of engine 8 is propagated via intake manifold28 and surge tank 26 into the air inside clean-side intake duct 18 (seeFIG. 2).

While engine 8 is running, as the amount of accelerator pedal depressionis increased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased (hereinafter to be referred to as acceleration mode). As aresult, while the rotational velocity of engine 8 is increased, theintake vacuum generated in the air inside intake duct 10 rises (see FIG.2).

In the acceleration mode, when the amount of accelerator pedaldepression is changed, the rotational velocity of the engine is changed.As a result, elastic membranes 30a-30c with different resonancefrequencies vibrate in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane16 corresponding to changes in the rotational velocity of engine 8. As aresult, pressure variations develop in the air in the region betweencomposite membrane 16 and the end of additional pipe 14 open to theexternal air. The air pressure variations become noise emitted to theexternal air side, so that the suction noise corresponding to the firstfrequency, the suction noise corresponding to the second frequency, andthe suction noise corresponding to the third frequency are amplified,and the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air side fromthe second opening of additional pipe 14 (see FIG. 2).

When the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air sidefrom the second opening of additional pipe 14, the emitted suction noiseis propagated via the air into vehicle passenger compartment 2, so thatan impressive suction noise is transmitted into vehicle passengercompartment 2 via dash panel 4 (see FIG. 1).

Variations of the Fourth Embodiment

Convex portions 40 formed on composite membrane 16 of device 1 thatamplifies the suction noise in the present embodiment are each generallyV-shaped and project to the intake duct side as viewed in the radialdirection of composite membrane 16. The thickness of composite membrane16 is substantially uniform throughout when the shape is formed, andcore member 44 is arranged on the surface of composite membrane 16 onthe external air side. However, the fourth embodiment is not limited tothis scheme. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, a scheme may also beadopted in which the thickness of composite film 16 where convexportions 40 are set is greater than in the remaining portions, with coremember 44 being arranged inside convex portions 40 set on compositemembrane 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 14B, a scheme may also be adopted inwhich each convex portion 40 is generally U-shaped as viewed in theradial direction of composite membrane 16. In addition, for example, asshown in FIG. 14C, a scheme may also be adopted in which each convexportion 40 of composite film 16 is generally U-shaped and projectstoward the intake duct side as viewed from the radial direction ofcomposite membrane 16, and the composite membrane 16 is formed thickerwhere convex portions 40 are set than in the remaining portions, withcore member 44 being arranged inside the convex portions 40.

The rigidity changing portions of device 1 that amplifies suction noisein the fourth embodiment comprise convex portions 40 formed on thesurface of composite membrane 16 on the intake duct side. However, thefourth embodiment is not limited to this scheme. For example, as shownin FIGS. 15A and 15C, the rigidity changing portions can also compriseconcave portions 42 formed on the surface of the composite membrane 16on the intake duct side, and as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15D, a scheme mayalso be adopted in which the rigidity changing portions consist ofconvex portions 40 formed on the surface of composite membrane 16 on theexternal air side.

The device 1 for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in the fourthembodiment has rigidity changing portions that divide composite membrane16 into plural elastic membranes by convex portions 40 formed on thesurface of the composite membrane on the intake duct side, and theconvex portions each have a core member.

Thus composite membrane 16 may be formed with plural elastic membraneswith a simple structure, and at the same time, the strength of theconvex portions 40 may be increased.

As a result, it is possible to increase the producibility of the device1 for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle, and at the same time,the strength of composite membrane 16 may be increased compared to thatin the device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle in the thirdembodiment, so that the durability of composite membrane 16 may beimproved.

Fifth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 16, a fifth embodiment will be explained. FIG. 16 is adiagram illustrating the structure of composite member 16 of device 1that amplifies suction noise in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the structure of device 1 that amplifies suctionnoise in the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of thefirst embodiment except for the structure of composite membrane 16. Thatis, elastic membranes 30a-30c of composite membrane 16 in the fifthembodiment are made of materials having different modulus values. Here,the modulus refers to the property representing resistance todeformation of the object per unit volume. When the deformation andstress are proportional to each other, the modulus is theproportionality coefficient, and it depends on the material. Also,rigidity refers to the proportionality coefficient between a bending andtwisting force applied to a structural body and the overall change inthe structural body. The factors determining rigidity include themodulus of the material, the dimensions, and the shape of the structure.For example, when a material with a higher modulus is used, the rigidityis higher. When a single material is used, the thicker the sheet, thehigher the rigidity. Also, the rigidity changes depending on thethree-dimensional shape of the member that is obtained by pressingprocesses.

The modulus of elastic membrane 30a is lower than the modulus of elasticmembrane 30b, and the modulus of elastic membrane 30b is lower than themodulus of elastic membrane 30c. Consequently, rigidity Ra of elasticmembrane 30a is lower than rigidity Rb of elastic membrane 30b, andrigidity Rb of elastic membrane 30b is lower than rigidity Rc of elasticmembrane 30c.

That is, the following relationship is established for elastic membranes30a-30c: Ra>Rb>Rc.

Here, because elastic membranes 30a-30c have different rigidities, theirresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 are different from each other. Also, elasticmembrane 30 with a higher rigidity has a lower resonance frequency forvibration in the out-of-plane direction than does elastic membrane 30with a lower rigidity. Consequently, for elastic membranes 30a-30c,assuming the resonance frequency of elastic membrane 30a to be firstresonance frequency f1, the resonance frequency of elastic membrane 30bto be second resonance frequency f2, and the resonance frequency ofelastic membrane 30c to be third resonance frequency f3, therelationship f1<f2<f3 is established.

In composite membrane 16 of the fifth embodiment, elastic membranes30a-30c are made of materials having different modulus values. As aresult, the structure is divided into three elastic membranes 30a-30cwithout providing slots or other rigidity changing portions on theintake duct side of composite membrane 16.

The remaining features of the structure of the device 1 aresubstantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the following, the operation of device 1 that amplifies the suctionnoise in the fifth embodiment will be explained. Because the structureof everything besides composite membrane 16 is substantially the same asthat in the first embodiment, only the operation of the differentportions will be explained in detail.

When engine 8 is started, the intake pulsation generated in conjunctionwith the intake operation of engine 8 is propagated via intake manifold28 and surge tank 26 into the air inside clean-side intake duct 18 (seeFIG. 2).

While engine 8 is running, as the amount of accelerator pedal depressionis increased, the airflow rate from air cleaner 22 to surge tank 26 isincreased (hereinafter to be referred to as acceleration mode). As aresult, while the rotational velocity of engine 8 is increased, theintake vacuum generated in the air inside intake duct 10 rises (see FIG.2).

In this case, because said elastic membranes 30a-30c have differentrigidity values, their resonance frequencies for vibration in theout-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16 are different from eachother.

As a result, in the acceleration mode, as the amount of acceleratorpedal depression is changed, the rotational velocity of the engine ischanged. As a result, elastic membranes 30a-30c with different resonancefrequencies vibrate in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane16 corresponding to changes in the rotational velocity of engine 8.

As a result, the intake pulsation at the first frequency, the intakepulsation at the second frequency and the intake pulsation at the thirdfrequency are amplified, and the amplified suction noise is emitted tothe external air side from additional pipe 14 (see FIG. 2).

When the amplified suction noise is emitted to the external air sidefrom the opening at the other end of additional pipe 14, the emittedsuction noise is propagated via the air into vehicle passengercompartment 2, so that an impressive suction noise is transmitted intovehicle passenger compartment 2 via dash panel 4 (see FIG. 1).

Variations of the Fifth Embodiment

In the fifth embodiment, elastic membranes 30a-30c of device 1 thatamplifies the suction noise have rigidities different from each other,so that their resonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-planedirection of composite membrane 16 are different from each other.However, the fifth embodiment is not limited to this scheme. That is, ascheme may also be adopted in which elastic membranes 30a-30c are madeof materials having different mass values, so that they have differentresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16. Also, one may adopt a scheme in which elasticmembranes 30a-30c are made of materials different from each other withrespect to their modulus and/or mass, so that they have differentresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16.

For composite membrane 16 in the fifth embodiment, elastic membranes30a-30c are made of materials having different modulus values. As aresult, the structure is provided with three divided elastic membranes30a-30c without setting slots or other rigidity changing portions on theintake duct side of composite membrane 16. However, the fifth embodimentis not limited to this scheme. For example, a scheme may also be adoptedin which composite membrane 16 is composed of three separated elasticmembranes 30a-30c by forming slots or other rigidity changing portionson the surface of composite membrane (elastic membrane member) 16 on theintake duct side, just as in any of the previous embodiments.

Viewed in the thickness direction of composite membrane 16, compositemembrane 16 of the device 1 for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle in the fifth embodiment is composed of three elastic membranes.Because the elastic membranes have different rigidity values, theirresonance frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 are different from each other.

As a result, in the acceleration mode, the various elastic membranesvibrate in the out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16corresponding to changes in the rotational velocity of engine 8.

Consequently, the intake pulsation at the first frequency, the intakepulsation at the second frequency and the intake pulsation at the thirdfrequency are amplified corresponding to changes in the rotationalvelocity of engine 8, and the amplified suction noise is emitted to theexternal air side from the second opening of the additional pipe. Theemitted suction noise is propagated via dash panel 4 into vehiclepassenger compartment 2, and an impressive suction noise is transmittedinto vehicle passenger compartment 2.

As a result, it is possible to generate plural resonance frequencieswith a single composite membrane 16, and an impressive suction noise maybe generated without the need of plural intake ducts. Also, because thestructure does not need plural intake ducts, the freedom of layoutdesign may be improved, and device 1 may be adopted for vehicles withdifferent body sizes or different structures.

Also, as viewed in the thickness direction, composite membrane 16 of thedevice 1 for amplifying suction noise in the fifth embodiment iscomposed of three elastic membranes, and these elastic membranes aremade of materials with different modulus values, so that they havedifferent frequencies for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16.

Consequently, by selecting the modulus values of the elastic membranescorresponding to the respective resonance frequencies for vibration inthe out-of-plane direction of composite membrane 16, it is possible toset the resonance frequencies of the elastic membranes at the respectivedesired resonance frequencies.

As a result, it is possible to set the resonance frequencies of thevarious elastic membranes for vibration in the out-of-plane direction ofcomposite membrane 16 at plural desired frequencies, and it is possibleto expand the range of frequency bands where amplification of thesuction noise may be realized. As a result, it is possible to improvethe sound quality of the suction noise transmitted into vehiclepassenger compartment 2.

Also, because composite membrane 16 in the device 1 for amplifying thesuction noise of a vehicle in the fifth embodiment has elastic membranesmade of materials having different modulus values, composite membrane 16is constituted as three separated elastic membranes without theprovision of slots or other rigidity changing portions on the surface ofcomposite membrane 16 on the intake duct side.

Consequently, the durability of composite membrane 16 is improved due tothe lack of rigidity changing portions with thicknesses different fromother portions set at the boundaries between adjacent elastic membranesof composite membrane 16.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe exemplary embodiments of the oil return device according to theclaimed invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope ofthe claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than isspecifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spiritor scope. The scope of the invention is limited solely by the followingclaims.

1. A method for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle, comprising:passing variations in air pressure transmitted into an engine intakeport through a pipe that is connected to an engine, the variations inair pressure resulting in intake pulsations having one of at least twodifferent frequencies; resonating a first elastic member of a compositemembrane at one of the at least two different frequencies; resonating asecond elastic member of the composite membrane at the other one of theat least two different frequencies; and varying the air pressuretransmitted to an external air side in response to one of the resonatedfirst elastic member and the resonated second elastic member.
 2. Adevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle, comprising: anintake duct for feeding air to an engine intake port, a connecting pipeconnected to an interior of the intake duct, and a composite membranepositioned within the connecting pipe, wherein the composite membraneblocks an interior passage formed in the connecting pipe, wherein thecomposite membrane includes at least two elastic membranes with one ofmasses and rigidities that differ from each other, each of the at leasttwo elastic membranes vibrating in response to a different intakepulsation frequency.
 3. The device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle described in claim 2, wherein the composite membrane furthercomprises a rigidity changing portion formed between the at least twoelastic membranes, with the rigidity of the rigidity changing portionbeing different from that of the at least two elastic membranes.
 4. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim3, wherein the rigidity changing portion is one of a convex portion andconcave portion formed on the surface of the composite membrane.
 5. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim3, wherein the rigidity changing portion further comprises a core memberwith a rigidity higher than that of the elastic membranes.
 6. The devicefor amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim 3,wherein the rigidity changing portion further comprises: at least anannular rigidity changing portion of one of a circular and ellipticalshape and arranged inward of an outer periphery of the compositemembrane, and radial rigidity changing portions that extend from saidannular rigidity changing portion to the outer periphery of thecomposite membrane, and which divide the region between the portionsurrounded by the annular rigidity changing portion and the outerperiphery of the composite membrane into at least two portions.
 7. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described claim 3wherein the at least two elastic membranes have different areas fromeach other.
 8. The device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicledescribed claim 7 wherein the rigidity changing portion refers to one ofa convex portion and concave portion formed on a surface of thecomposite membrane.
 9. The device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle described in claim 7 wherein the rigidity changing portionfurther comprises a core member with a rigidity higher than that of theelastic membranes.
 10. The device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle described in claim 7 wherein the rigidity changing portionfurther comprises: at least an annular rigidity changing portion of oneof a generally circular and elliptical shape that is arranged inward ofan outer periphery of the composite membrane, and radial rigiditychanging portions that extend from the annular rigidity changing portionto the outer periphery of the composite membrane, and which divide theregion between the portion surrounded by the annular rigidity changingportion and the outer periphery of the compo site membrane into at leasttwo portions.
 11. The device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle described in claim 2, wherein at least two elastic membranes aremade of materials having one of different moduli and densities from eachother.
 12. The device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicledescribed in claim 11 wherein: the composite membrane has a rigiditychanging portion formed between the at least two elastic membranes, withthe rigidity of the rigidity changing portion being different from thatof the at least two elastic membranes.
 13. The device for amplifying thesuction noise of a vehicle described in claim 12, wherein the rigiditychanging portion is one of a convex portion and concave portion formedon the surface of the composite membrane.
 14. The device for amplifyingthe suction noise of a vehicle described in claim 12 wherein therigidity changing portion further comprises a core member with arigidity higher than that of the elastic membranes.
 15. The device foramplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim 12 whereinthe rigidity changing portion further comprises: at least an annularrigidity changing portion of one of a generally circular and ellipticalshape that is arranged inward of an outer periphery of the compositemembrane, and radial rigidity changing portions that extend from theannular rigidity changing portion to the outer periphery of thecomposite membrane, and which divide the region between the portionsurrounded by the annular rigidity changing portion and the outerperiphery of the composite membrane into at least two portions.
 16. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim12 wherein the at least two elastic membranes have different thicknessesfrom each other.
 17. The device for amplifying the suction noise of avehicle described in claim 16 wherein the composite membrane furthercomprises a rigidity changing portion formed between the at least twoelastic membranes, with the rigidity of the rigidity changing portionbeing different from that of the at least two elastic membranes.
 18. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim17 wherein the rigidity changing portion is one of a convex portion andconcave portion formed on a surface of the compo site membrane.
 19. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim17 wherein the rigidity changing portion further comprises a core memberwith a rigidity higher than that of the elastic membranes.
 20. Thedevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle described in claim17 wherein the rigidity changing portion further comprises: at least anannular rigidity changing portion of one of a generally circular orelliptical shape and arranged inward of an outer periphery of thecomposite membrane, and radial rigidity changing portions that extendfrom the annular rigidity changing portion to the outer periphery of thecomposite membrane, and which divide the region between the portionsurrounded by the annular rigidity changing portion and the outerperiphery of the composite membrane into at least two portions.
 21. Adevice for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle, comprising: intakemeans for feeding air to an engine intake port, pipe means fluidlyconnected to the intake means, and composite membrane means positionedwithin the pipe means, wherein the composite membrane means blocks aninterior passage formed in the pipe means, wherein the compositemembrane means includes at least two elastic membranes with one ofmasses and rigidities that differ from each other, each of the at leasttwo elastic membranes adapted to vibrate in response to a differentintake pulsation frequency.